The Porsche 550 Spyder remains one of the most iconic sports cars ever made by any manufacturer, but it holds particular significance to air-cooled Porsche fans that know a thing or two about the company’s competition history. For many casual observers, the 550 is the “James Dean car” and little else; but if you follow the company’s history and deep intersection with road racing, you know the 550 Spyder is one of the most significant cars it ever built. This is why if you find one today, the price tag will require many, many bags of cash most of us don’t possess. This 550 is a replica of unknown origin, but most of the VW-based kits are made by a company called Beck. The 550 is listed here on eBay with a running WRX drivetrain and bids to $12,200 with no reserve.
The seller doesn’t seem to know much about the 550 besides the basic recounting of what we can all see in the photos. This is a touch unusual, as most owners of these kit cars know what they bought and why. Perhaps the seller received the car from a deceased relative, or it was a payment for services rendered. Whatever the case may be, the description notes that the racing-inspired bucket seats have fresh-looking upholstery and that several other new components have been installed. Right now, however, the 550 replica looks more like it’s been used for storage than anything else (certainly not driving!) Does anyone recognize which kit this is based on the interior?
The WRX engine swap is an excellent choice for a 550 replica (or really, any VW-based kit car). Sure, it may not exactly sound like a Porsche, but the performance is light-years better than anything that came stock in a period-correct Beetle or Bus. Of course, dropping in an actual Porsche motor from a 356 – like a Super 90 – would make for a very correct build and much more sympathetic to the original configuration, but some owners may question whether dropping that sort of coin on a replica is worth it. The WRX engine is a known quantity, too, with plenty of spares, upgrades, and engine tuning possible, not to mention the Subaru flat fours sound wicked with a set of unequal length headers.
The seller rolls off a list of parts and Subaru engine conversion components that will come with the car, including: new headlights and fuel tank; a custom pedal box with adjustable brake bias; rear link shifter kit; Subigear rear drive conversion kit; Busaru harness pinned and labeled; rear disk brakes; new wheels and tires; and more. Subigear and Busaru are two well-regarded independent shops that specialize in Subaru engine conversions for VW applications, so it’s a good sign that whoever began this project sought those resources out. This 550 kit is a bargain at the current bid price – anyone feel like this would make an excellent winter project?
That’s no Beck.
I don’t know anything about this kit, or the conversion and wouldn’t have the slightest idea where to begin. So what! I think its cool and I would like to have it. Talk about dumb car guy.
Loved to have found something like this a few years ago. Too many projects then but would have made room for this one.
These cars seem to be made for short movie stars or women. The taller of us look ridiculous.in them with the windshield at chin height.. Pass.
The Jag xke was my dream car until I saw one up close. At 5’10” there was no way I would have fit in there.
Not true! E-types are actually quite roomy. There are many 6’2″ E-type owners. The Ser III cars are especially spacious.
Is there a title as a kit car, any VIN number, paperwork??
A water cooled motor in a Porsche wannabe??..no thanks..and please dont put Porsche badges on it. As a VW special its one thing but it aint no Porsche. Always amazed Porsche has not come after these companies.And for the price some folks pay for these you could buy a real VW/Porsche..914!
I don’t understand the idea of going water-cooled on this. Adds to the complication of a project such as this.
I’ve never understood the perspective of certain owners (Ferrari owners especially)- that if a particular car is modified in any way then it’s second class, and don’t call it a Ferrari , etc.
OK, this IS a kit car, with a great engine and great potential (sold for 20k+), but who cares what it’s called? Very few will ever drive much less see a real 550, live and let drive.
Any Soob 2.5, especially their turbos, are not as great of an engine as one may think…
In 1960 Hawaii, was offered a real 550 racecar with blown motor for $900, including trailer. Belonged to racer Tetta Ritchert. Car was featured on Hagerty a few months ago. I didn’t have $90 in 1960.
Although James Dean was no racing slouch, it always amazes me that, most people that think of the Porsche 550 Spider, think of the car that James Dean was killed driving.
there were a lot better driver that dove 550 Spiders. Jack McAfee, Richie Ginther and come to my mind first. Yeah. I’m old.
I’m not a purist. I like WELL DONE replicas. There are vintage racing classes for “replicars,” with proper safety upgrades. Back in the day, those would be called “Specials. I’d love to have that car but, I’d have to sell more auto art paintings.
SOLD for $20,200.